easy family picnic at home!

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GrillNGear #CollectiveBias

We love picnics but sometimes the thought of packing up a whole meal and taking it to the park is daunting, especially with a one year old. Lately, we have been having picnics right in our own backyard (or in this case, my parent’s backyard)! Our little family tries to make it a priority to eat dinner together as much as possible throughout the week and a picnic at home is perfect because Greylen can run around in the yard while we are getting everything ready. Not to mention, clean up is super easy!

It’s no secret that Giant Eagle Market District is one of my favorite places…ever. We pretty much exclusively shop there for our groceries…they have it all!

Grilling season is upon us (!) and lately, we have been loving these Bacon Cheddar (for Ben) and turkey (for me) avocado burgers. You will need:

Your favorite type of burger (the Bacon Cheddar patties are available at the deli counter)
Havarti cheese
Fresh hamburger buns (available in the bakery)
2 avocados (ripe)
1 half tomato, diced
2 tbsp cilanto
Salt and pepper

Put the Bacon Cheddar or turkey burgers on the grill and while they are cooking, mash the avocados in a bowl and combine with the tomato, cilantro, salt and pepper. When the burgers are almost done, top each with a piece of cheese. Put the buns face down on the grill to toast them slightly (this makes ALL the difference!). Place the burgers on top of the toasted buns and top with the avocado mixture. Top with the other half of the bun and enjoy!

One reason why I love Giant Eagle Market District is because it’s a one-stop-shop for quick and easy meals. When it’s too hot to cook inside (which has been a lot lately!), I’ll grab a couple of sides from the prepared foods section. Ben and I tend to like different things so we each pick out our own individual side in a single serving size. The chickpea, kale and feta salad is absolutely amazing and is always my go-to! This all went perfectly with Lemon Lemon Sparkling Lemonade, one of my favorite summer drinks!

What’s a picnic without a little dessert!? I made these ice cream treats by sandwiching Breyers Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream between Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Dark Chocolate Chip cookies. I rolled each sandwich in small chocolate morsels which definitely made them look a little fancier. Rolling them in sprinkles would be super fun too! The key is to make these after the ice cream has melted a little. I usually make them right when I get home from the store and then pop them in the freezer until after dinner. They are so easy and sooooo addicting!